Magpies defender Brown joins Saints in AFL

Collingwood key defender Nathan Brown has joined St Kilda on the final day of the AFL’s free agent trade period.

The Magpies opted not to match an offer made to the restricted free agent, whose career has been interrupted by injuries including a torn anterior cruciate ligament and repeated shoulder issues.

Brown, 27, played 130 games in eight seasons for the Magpies, including 16 this year, and was part of their 2010 premiership side.

“Nathan is a handy acquisition for the club and will obviously strengthen our defence,” Saints chief operating officer Ameet Bains said on Sunday.

“Bringing Nathan in as a free agent also allows us to fill a key need without compromising our overall trade position; an important consideration given the trades we have completed during this exchange period.

“His ability to hold down a key defensive post makes him an attractive prospect for where our list is currently placed.”

Brown’s signing follows the Saints adding talented young Greater Western Sydney onballer Jack Steele and Western Bulldogs midfielder Koby Stevens during the general trade period, which ends on Thursday.

Brown’s twin brother Mitch, who plays for West Coast, is also likely to exercise his free agency rights after being overtaken in the Eagles’ backline pecking order.

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